The Portage Collegiate Institute Trojans will kick off their Winnipeg High School Football League season in Winnipeg against the River East Kodiaks on Friday afternoon.

Trojans head coach Brent Irwin named Braeden Pritchard as the team's starting quarterback at the end of Thursday's practice.

"Braeden is a three-year vet, so he knows the playbook inside and out," said Irwin. "He's very comfortable with the plays. He really showed well the last two weeks of fall camp that he really wants to be in there, and he has good leadership qualities.

"The team is really comfortable with him in there, and we're looking for good things."

Pritchard was battling Brandon Twiss for the starting slot, and while he enjoyed the head-to-head, was happy to have earned the spot.

"I'm happy about it. It was pretty close," said Pritchard. "I know the offence better than Brandon does. He's got another year on me, but I just know the offence inside and out.

"That's what I'm going to use tomorrow."

Pritchard is excited about what he brings to an offence that also includes running back Dylan Brydges, and receivers Michael Lavallee, Blake Roberts and Cody Twiss.

"I'm pretty fast, I can read the field well," said Pritchard. "Dylan's going to be a big help for us, and Michael Lavallee will be a good receiver to have tomorrow.